Posted

Posted follows middle school student Frost and his friends as they navigate a difficult year after their school bans cell phones. In response to the ban, students begin communicating through sticky notes posted on lockers, leading to unexpected consequences. The story tracks the shifting social dynamics and alliances between different groups at Branton Middle School. Frost's close-knit friend group faces challenges when a new student arrives, testing their established routines and relationships. Through the lens of middle school friendships and conflicts, Posted examines bullying, belonging, and the impact of both digital and analog communication. The novel considers how young people connect with each other and find their place within school hierarchies and social groups.

Readers praise Posted as a realistic portrayal of middle school friendships, bullying, and social dynamics after cellphones are banned and students resort to sticky notes. Parents and teachers report it resonates with students aged 10-14 and sparks discussions about communication and inclusion. Readers liked: - Complex character development - Authentic middle school dialogue and interactions - Balance of humor and serious topics - Messages about standing up for others Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in first third of book - Some found the ending too neat/predictable - A few felt bullying scenes were too intense for younger readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (280+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 "A spot-on depiction of how notes and rumors can snowball," writes one teacher reviewer. Another parent notes: "My 12-year-old related strongly to the social pressure and friendship dynamics."

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📚 The book was inspired by Anderson's own experiences as a middle school teacher, where he witnessed firsthand how students communicated when cell phones were banned. 🤐 The yellow sticky notes that become central to the story were based on real incidents where students used Post-its to pass messages after their school banned phones. 🏆 Posted won the 2019 Young Hoosier Book Award, chosen by students throughout Indiana as their favorite middle-grade book. 📝 The author wrote the first draft of the book in just six weeks during a summer break from teaching. 🎯 The story addresses not just bullying but also "micro-aggressions" - small, subtle acts of unkindness that can build up over time and have lasting effects on students.